# Senegalese Army fields KNT-76 Automatic Precision Rifle

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2025/02/senegalese-army-fields-knt-76-automatic-precision-rifle/
- Published: 2025-02-09T20:29:33+01:00
- Author: Military Africa

The Senegalese military has recently been seen fielding the Turkish-made 7.62 x 
51 mm KNT-76 designated marksman rifle, also known as the Automatic Precision Rifle.
Pictures of the rifle in use by the Senegalese military were published on social
media in December 2024 during a military exercise.

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/20250209_195518-1024x576.
jpg)

A Senegalese army officer testing the KNT-76 DMR during a military exhibition.

Earlier in January 2024, the KNT-76 was also spotted during a Senegalese Navy Special
Forces demonstration as part of the Navy’s 49th Anniversary celebrations.

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![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/20250209_195524-1024x576.
jpg)

Pictures showing a turkish made 7,62 x 51 mm KNT-76 designated marksman rifle of
the Senegalese military, December 2024.

The KNT-76, known in Turkish as Keskin Nişancı Tüfeği (‘Sniper Rifle’ or ‘Sharp 
Shooter Rifle’), is the designated marksman rifle version of the MPT-76. Produced
at the Kırıkkale Arms Factory, the KNT-76 features the same “Gas Operated Rotary
Bolt Action” mechanism and can fire semi-automatically.

This rifle is an upgraded version of the MPT-76 service rifle, incorporating several
design enhancements to improve its accuracy and precision as a squad-level designated
marksman rifle (DMR). Unlike the MPT-76, which is manufactured by three different
Turkish arms companies (MKE, Kales, and Sarsilmaz), the KNT-76 is solely produced
by MKE.

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On the other hand, the MPT-76 assault rifle are [currently in use](https://www.military.africa/?s=MPT-76)
by the Sudanese army in its ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Force (RSF).

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/20250209_201323-1024x780.
jpg)

A KNT-76 DMR can be seen alongside Tavor X-95 bullpub assault rifle in a Senegalese
Navy SF demonstration during the Navy’s 49th Anniversary celebrations.

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/20250209_201317-1024x683.
jpg)

Picture showing Senegalese snipers in ghillie suits with the Turkish-made 7.62 x
51 mm KNT-76 designated marksman rifles in January 2024.

The KNT-76 is known for its accuracy, with MKE stating that the rifle is accurate
to 1.5 MOA (Minute of Angle). This level of precision makes it a valuable asset 
for the Senegalese military, enhancing their capabilities in various operational
scenarios.

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The introduction of the KNT-76 into the Senegalese military arsenal reflects the
growing defense cooperation between Senegal and Turkey. The rifle’s advanced features
and reliability are expected to significantly bolster the effectiveness of Senegalese
forces in both training and combat situations.

Meanwhile in 2019, the United States [delivered](https://www.military.africa/2019/07/senegal-procures-2200-u-s-m4-carbines-worth-1-6-million/)
2,200 M4 carbines worth $1.6 million to the Senegalese military through its Foreign
Military Sales (FMS) program to Senegal.  The small arms were requested by Senegal
alongside complimentary training for onward deployment to Mali.

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